Though owning a home is a sense of pride and accomplishment, it makes you vulnerable to unpredictable, out-of-pocket expenses. For example, if something goes wrong with your HVAC system or your refrigerator breaks down, the cost of repairing or replacing it can add up quickly. This is where home warranty coverage can help. A home warranty can help keep your home repair costs within a reasonable range, saving a considerable amount of money.
What Is a Home Warranty?
A home warranty is a type of home appliance insurance that covers the cost of repairs and replacements of home appliances and systems that have failed due to normal wear and tear. It protects homeowners from paying out of pocket, especially items that are no longer covered by the manufacturers' warranties. It is an optional policy that can be purchased while buying a new home or at any time during ownership.
Also read: Home Warranty Inspection Checklist
What Does a Home Warranty Cover?
A home warranty gives coverage for repair and replacement services for appliances, home systems, or both, depending on the coverage plan you choose. Generally, an appliance plan might cover:
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Attic fans |
Wall ovens |
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Garage door openers |
Garbage disposals |
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Bathroom exhaust fans |
Refrigerators |
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Built-in trash compactors |
Washers/dryers |
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Built-in food centers |
Instant hot water dispensers |
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Freestanding ice makers |
Refrigerator ice makers |
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Built-in microwaves |
Ranges/ovens/cooktops |
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Dishwashers |
Kitchen fans/exhaust hoods |
A home warranty also covers systems either separately or in combination with an appliance plan, which may include:
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Attic fans |
Toilets |
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Doorbells |
Sump pumps |
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Ductwork |
Plumbing (excludes fixtures) |
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Built-in whirlpool/jetted tubs |
Humidifiers |
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Central vacuums |
Water heaters |
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Ceiling fans |
Telephone lines |
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Central home heating |
Re-key Services |
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Central air conditioning |
Interior electrical |
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Burglar and fire alarms |
Smoke detectors |
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Structure and presence of organisms and pests which destroy wood |
Foundation |
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Plumbing and electrical systems |
Roofs and attics |
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Basements and crawl spaces |
Gutters and drainage |
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Walls, floors, and ceilings |
Decks and porches |
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Overall property and site |
Furnaces |
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Lights and receptacles |
Windows and doors |
A standard home warranty policy may not cover all the systems and appliances in your home. In such circumstances, you include add-ons to your plan to cover additional home appliances and systems at an extra cost.
Some of the add-ons you can include in your home warranty policy:
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Food loss |
Well pumps |
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Extra air conditioners |
Pools/saltwater pools |
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Lawn sprinkler systems |
Wine refrigerators |
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Electronics |
Septic systems |
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Guesthouses |
Whole-house humidifiers |
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Extra water heaters |
Spas |
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Faucets and fixtures |
Sump pumps |
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Extra refrigerators and freezers |
Tankless water heaters |
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External water or sewer lines |
Stand-alone freezers |
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Extra ranges/ovens/cooktops |
Water softeners |
How Long Does Home Warranty Coverage Last?
Generally, a home warranty is an annual service contract, meaning it lasts for 12 months and can be renewed once it expires. However, instead of purchasing a one-year home warranty, you can get some discounts by purchasing a home warranty policy for 3 - 5 years.
What Do Worthy Inspections Offer?
If your home warranty is coming to an end, contact Worthy Inspection Services to schedule a professional home warranty inspection. We will thoroughly inspect all your home appliances and systems and provide a fair and unbiased report. It’s essential to understand the condition of your home before your warranty expires so that you have the time to address any issues before it is too late.
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